Delta Air Lines announced it will commence its first nonstop flights between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Manila, Philippines, on March 28, 2027. Initially, the airline will operate the route three times weekly using Airbus A350-900 aircraft before increasing frequency to daily service beginning June 7, 2027.
Route Details and Competition
The new nonstop route extends approximately 6,348 nautical miles with an estimated flight duration ranging from 14 to 15 hours. Delta’s service directly competes with Philippine Airlines, the current market leader which operates multiple daily flights between Los Angeles and Manila.
Delta’s Return to the Philippines
This launch marks Delta’s return to the Philippines after a six-year
hiatus. The carrier previously served Manila on a fifth-freedom route originating from Tokyo Narita Airport but ended that service in March 2020 due to the pandemic. The new nonstop flights from Los Angeles represent a strategic expansion of Delta’s Pacific network.
Strategic Expansion and Partnerships
Delta’s Vice President of Network Planning, Jeff Arinder, emphasized the airline’s ongoing investments at LAX, which include expanding its Asia-Pacific network and opening a second Delta One lounge in Terminal 2 featuring elevated dining and personalized service. Delta’s strategy solidifies Los Angeles as a premier West Coast hub, complementing recently launched routes to Hong Kong, Melbourne, Shanghai, and planned
services to Vancouver and Newark. The route also enhances Delta’s joint venture with Korean Air, connecting over 260 destinations across the Americas with more than 60 in Asia.
Traveler Benefits and Official Comments
Passengers traveling between Los Angeles and Manila will gain from the convenience of nonstop flights, effectively reducing travel time on the transpacific corridor. Delta One customers departing LAX will have access to two Delta One lounges, including the newly opened Terminal 2 location. Jeff Arinder stated, “Customers traveling through Los Angeles continue to benefit from Delta’s investments in LAX, including an expanding Asia-Pacific network and the opening of our second Delta One
Lounge.” The addition of the Manila route further strengthens Delta’s position as LAX’s leading global carrier and premier West Coast hub.
